Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce & Meal Planning

A couple days after I posted my last post about the weight loss challenge I am hosting, DietBet was featured on the Today show! What great timing! If you need to lose some weight, don’t forget to join! The game starts in 8 days so if you need that extra push and motivation to start losing weight, don’t hesitate! It will be fun!

I just started cooking with tofu last year when I experimented eating vegan, otherwise it was never something I’d consider buying. Why would you buy and cook tofu when there are so many other flavorful foods I thought?! Although I still could live without it (just being honest here), it has found a place in my life. Never thought that would happen! I definitely crave protein when I am eating a more vegetarian diet and tofu dishes really help to satisfy my hunger.

The is never a shortage of peanut butter in our house so I decided to make a peanut sauce to drizzle over the lettuce wraps. Since I didn’t have extra time to marinate the tofu I knew it would need something in the end to give it more flavor. In case you’ve never tried plain tofu, it is totally bland! On the positive side it is totally bland! Yes, that is a positive in my opinion. That means it is a high protein source that depending on how you marinate it or how you serve it, it will take on different flavors. It certainly won’t overwhelm the dish on it’s own, but it has a purpose.

I love wrapping things in lettuce and although I tried this same mixture in a tortilla, I actually prefer the lettuce. You get to taste more of the filling and peanut sauce. You could also serve this filling and peanut sauce over rice noodles, brown rice or eat as is (just warm up the tofu and sauce a little if you are taking for lunch leftovers). If you are looking for healthy, light but flavorful vegan dishes, this is a good one to try. Sriracha on top really completes this dish. Haven’t tried it yet? You must! It is a spicy asian condiment and can be found in the asian food section of most grocery stores. It’s kind of addicting.

Sitting down for meal planning I can honestly say I am so ready for this week. School starts back up- the kids are both super excited. Between our San Diego vacation and Christmas break the kids have had a nice LONG break. My daughter starts a new pre-school and I am ready to get back to the daily routine. It’s been lovely having the hubs home for the past 2 weeks and it’s one of the best Christmas breaks I can remember. Despite not getting out a lot, we have passed time at home playing new games, watching movies, playing with Christmas toys, organizing our things, etc.

Meal planning typically only takes me about 20 minutes. I take a look at what we have in the fridge/freezer and I usually flip through a couple cookbooks or magazines to get the ideas flowing. Think about adding this to your New Year’s goals if you feel unorganized when it comes to food shopping and cooking dinner. It helps tremendously even if you don’t follow it 100%! Here is what I am planning for the week:

Remove tofu from package, slice into rectangular slices about ¼ inch thick. Cover slices with paper towels or clean dish towel and top with additional cutting board and some heavy cans. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. Press down firmly a few times to make sure tofu is being pressed well. Remove cutting board and towels and slice each rectangle into 3-4 stripes lengthwise and again crosswise, creating a ½ inch by ¼ inch square.

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Comments

I will have to try the wraps. I don’t do much tofu, but would love to get some good recipes. The tofu looks like chicken in your pictures. Here is my meal plan for the week. My parents are intown so we will be having more meat then normal.
Sun- steak, sautéed veggies, mashed potatoes
Mon- a soup with rice noodles, spinach and a host of legumes. We love this vegan gem.
Tues-your veggies taco recipe
Wed- a crock pot beef stew
Thurs- left over soups and grilled cheese or sandwiches
Fri- homemade pizza and salad
Sat- a ham and cabbage soup (I have a ham bone in the freezer waiting to become a soup and my mom brought me a HUGE cabbage from my aunts garden)

I think I need to come eat at your house! So many great looking meals. Although these would undoubtedly be my favorite. Love love love lettuce wraps! So easy and flavorful! And healthy too. Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Move It Monday: Functional Core Circuit

Mmmmm, I l.o.v.e. lettuce wraps, especially with that sauce! I used to eat tofu on occasion but I’ve heard to much hype about the possible health risks associated with eating it (GMO, messes with your hormones) I used to drink a soy latte once or twice a week and at age 34 was diagnosed with polycystic overies. Of course this could be a coincidence but once I stopped consuming soy the symptoms went away.
I DO however believe in all things in moderation, including meat. This really does look like a wonderful, light, healthy lunch!

I understand your concerns Gwen. I typically buy the Nasoya Organic brand tofu which is non-GMO and also the Silk brand soy milk I drink uses soybeans without genetic engineering. I really only eat tofu 1-2 x month. I believe you must listen to your body so if you do better omitting certain foods, than continue on! Thanks for your comment!

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I am a Registered Dietitian, fitness enthusiast, wife and mother of 4. I have a Masters degree in Nutrition and am available for coaching services, recipe creation and other freelance opportunities. Thank you for visiting!